Delta And Gogo Expand In-Flight Internet And Entertainment Options

In-flight Wi-Fi still feels like it's a futuristic thing, and Delta's been doing their best to expand Gogo's services to every plane they can. This week, the airline announced an expanded in-flight Wi-Fi effort as well as entertainment on-demand options, with Delta Connect offering free entertainment, shopping options and travel information. It's all part of Delta's $2 billion investment in the "flying experience," with Connect being a new in-flight portal that will be available exclusively to all customers using Wi-Fi on Delta aircraft; wireless movies and television on demand on Boeing 757-300 aircraft; and a more user-friendly design for Airbus A330 in-flight entertainment systems that include more content choices.

Delta Connect is a new in-flight Wi-Fi portal developed jointly by Delta and its on-board wireless provider Gogo. It will offer an expanded range of free content for Delta customers such as more choices for entertainment and shopping as well as flight and destination information. Delta Connect partners include Gilt.com and OpenTable.com. Customers will also have free access to partners that provide information on destination oriented concerts, festivals and events as well as news and entertainment. At the same time Delta is launching a new feature through on-board Wi-Fi: entertainment on demand. Beginning today, entertainment on demand will be available on all 16 of Delta’s Boeing 757-300 aircraft. Choices will include an introductory price for television programming starting at $.99 and movies available for $3.99 from major Hollywood studios. Customers can sort titles by genre, length of feature, movie or show and other categories. Trailers are available for complimentary viewing prior to rental.

The programming also offers an added benefit. Rentals will remain accessible on the customer’s personal device for viewing after landing for at least 24 hours after their flight. Unexpired content will be available for playback on the ground by using the same device and browser used onboard.

A Gogo Wi-Fi purchase is not required to access Delta Connect content or the video service. Entertainment on demand will be available for laptops and expanded to tablet and mobile devices by early 2012 on 757-300s.

Airbus A330 In-Flight Entertainment Upgrades
Customers flying on Delta’s total fleet of 32 Airbus A330 aircraft will experience a redesigned in-flight entertainment experience with more entertainment choices by the end of 2011. The improved in-flight entertainment system will expand to the rest of Delta’s fleet of nearly 300 aircraft equipped with personal in-flight entertainment by mid-2012.

The new system includes offers easier navigation, 150 percent more movies and more television, music and games offerings. A new feature includes a Delta Sky Kids section that offers family-friendly content designed with young travelers in mind.

Delta began installing Wi-Fi on domestic mainline aircraft in 2008, becoming the first airline to announce plans for in-flight Internet service on all domestic aircraft. With its mainline aircraft and the recent addition of regional jets to the Wi-Fi program, more than 80 percent of Delta’s entire domestic fleet will feature Gogo in-flight Internet access by early 2012. Customers can stay connected using Gogo In-flight Internet with free access to delta.com or Delta’s mobile applications.